Feature Articles

GHCMA seeks partners for new Twinning program

11 March 2015

In an innovative approach to Twinning, Glenelg Hopkins CMA has elected to share their $50,000 Twinning grant to establish multiple Twinning programs within Australia.

Expressions of interest are being sought from South-east Australian groups and organisations involved in river management to take part in the innovative new twinning program. The program aims to establish some of the best river managers as mentors for groups or organisations wishing to be assisted in the planning and delivery of river protection projects.

Up to three mentor/mentee partnerships will be established, with funding provided to enable collaboration between the groups. Additionally, all participants will take part in a three day Waterway Masterclass, facilitated by Dr Siwan Lovett, Director of the Australian River Restoration Centre, providing all participants with an opportunity to learn about successful approaches to waterway management.

Mentoring partnerships will continue for a minimum of one year with mentors assisting mentees with the roll-out of their own river management project.

Groups interested in participating as either mentors and mentees are encouraged to visit the programwebsite for further information.

Partial scholarships aim to cover part of the program’s tuition fees and are available to self-funded students who do not receive any full-tuition scholarship/grant or full-tuition funding from their employer.

To receive a partial scholarship, you must apply for the program at the relevant partner university, receive an unconditional offer of admission, and successfully enrol in the program by 31 January 2015.

River Wensum awarded first England River Prize

8 May 2014

The River Wensum is the winner of the inaugural England River Prize. The prize, worth £10,000, was won by the Environment Agency, as lead partner, in conjunction with riparian landowners, Natural England and Atkins.

The River Wensum is a chalk stream of great importance for its wildlife, supporting species such as water voles, otters and white-clawed crayfish. To improve the health of the river to meet ‘good ecological status’, under the Water Framework Directive, the project has delivered multiple benefits to the whole river, from the headwaters in Fakenham to Norwich.

Practical works have included river restoration and floodplain habitat enhancement, leading to an improvement in biodiversity, a reduction in flood risk and improved angling and water quality.

The England River Prize was presented by International RiverFoundation (IRF) Ambassador Alastair Driver and the River Restoration Centre (RRC) Chairman Fiona Bowles, at the River Restoration Centre’s 15th annual conference at Sheffield City Hall on 7 May 2014.

The prize was awarded by a partnership comprised of the RRC, WWF-UK, Environment Agency and the International River Foundation to celebrate successful approaches in river restoration delivering a wide range of benefits.

The Society for the Protection of Prespa is the “Best of the Best” once again!

16 April 2014

The Society for the Protection of Prespa (SPP) has been honoured by the European Commission for the second time, with a "Best of the Best" Award for its implementation of the LIFE + Information and Communication project 'Fish, Fisheries & European Policy in the Prespa Basin'.

The Prespa Lakes are among the twelve most important wetlands in the Mediterranean because of their rare fish species. This aspect of Prespa is not as well-known as the rich birdlife for which Prespa is famous, however its protection is extremely important both for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in the region.

The aim of the project was to inform the public about the value of these rare fish species and the threats they face, as well as to encourage local authorities and stakeholders to actively participate in their conservation. The project included a series of communication activities targeted at both the general public and more specialised audiences. TV and radio infomercials, a mobile exhibition which toured Greece, leaflets and a documentary film were all used to make the general public more aware of the natural wealth found in the Prespa Lakes. In addition, the publication "Fish species and sustainable fisheries in Prespa," meetings with stakeholders and lobbying to promote concrete measures were all means by which the issue of sustainable fisheries and the protection of fish populations were put more firmly on the agenda.

OceanaGold assists with Typhoon Haiyan rescue operation

15 November 2013

IRF partner, OceanaGold, has dispatched their Didipio Emergency Response Team (ERT) to help with the rescue operation following the devastation of Super Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. The ERT, based at the Didipio mine in Luzon, has been dispatched to the Tacloban region where they will assist the Philippines Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA) in the rescue mission.

The OceanaGold ERT is working in a convoy with other groups including the Tacloban Red Cross, Global Medic of Canada, Wilderness 505th Auxiliary brigade and the Philex mining ERT; with seven vehicles, 43 people, 400kg of rescue equipment and importantly, a water purifier on board.

In addition to this, OceanaGold staff are running a clothing and blanket drive, and the company Christmas party has been cancelled with the funds set aside for that purpose to go towards the relief effort. They will be donating medical supplies, buying food, and contributing funds to the UNICEF Children's Emergency Appeal. Discussions are also taking place with PMSEA in regard to medical missions.

The IRF is proud to have OceanaGold as a partner and we thank them for their generous contribution to the Typhoon Haiyan relief effort.

The Bristol Bay Heritage Land Trust recently accepted deeds to two parcels of land in the Nushagak River watershed. The parcels were acquired to protect the habitat and subsistence values of each property. The Nushagak River was a finalist in the 2012 Thiess International Riverprize, and received a special mention from the judges for outstanding efforts in river protection.

The first property acquired is 120 acres located at the confluence of Old Man Creek and the Mulchatna River. In a survey of Native allotments undertaken by the Land Trust in 2009, the parcel at the mouth of Old Man Creek was highly ranked because it was in the center of an area used heavily by subsistence hunters and sport fisherman. Old Man Creek is important habitat for moose and also supports spawning and rearing. The second parcel is located on Chikuminuk Lake at the outlet of the Allen River. The Nature Conservancy purchased the 160 acre parcel in 2004. The parcel was then the only private inholding on Chikuminuk Lake and its acquisition for conservation secured the State Park wilderness designation for the lake. The Nature Conservancy has now transferred ownership and the responsibility for stewarding the property to the Land Trust.

Stewarding the property will be a challenge for the Land Trust as Chikuminuk Lake is once again being investigated as a potential source of hydroelectric power for Bethel and other communities on the Kuskokwim. The Land Trust has provided comment to the State on the conflict between park purposes and a hydroelectric dam on Chikuminuk Lake.

D'Entrecasteaux Channel Twinning Project wins award

4 October 2013

The D'Entrecasteaux Channel project, one of the newest IRF Twinning initiatives, has taken out a 2013 Tasmanian Local Government Award for Excellence. The Derwent Estuary Program (DEP) won the Australian Riverprize in 2010, and opted to undertake a Twinning project with the D'Entrecasteaux Channel / Huon Estuary in the adjacent catchment.

The D'Entrecasteaux Channel Project has a focus on bringing together existing science to understand the waterways better; promote the values of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and lower Huon Estuary; improve the availability of information on the waterways to all stakeholders;and to initiate a coordinated and collaborative approach to managing the Channel and lower Huon Estuary.

The Kingborough Council, who submitted the application on behalf of the D'Entrecasteax Channel Project, was awarded the local government award for 'delivering excellence in natural and built environments.' Although the project is in it's infancy, it has received widespread community, government and industry support, and judges recognised that it provides a blueprint for future activity and sets a framework within which a multitude of users can engage and be responsible.

Leading international organisations unite

1 October 2013

As part of the 16th International Riversymposium, seven organisations and projects, each with mandates to improve the management of transboundary water basins, announce the launch of the Global Network to advance integrated river basin management around the world. This effort will leverage resources and address the unprecedented, long-term challenges to viability of the world's river basins in the 21st century.

Together the IRF, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the International Network of Basin Organizations (INBO), the Great Rivers Partnership of the Nature Conservancy, the Global Environment Facility's (GEF) International Waters Learning Exchange and Research Network (IW:LEARN) and the ICPDR will foster an open learning exchange to share and leverage best practices in river basin management across organisations and geographies.

The core objective of the Network's collaboration is to facilitate, in all regions of the world, the emergence of more effective and efficient governance and sustainable development of water resources by integrating management at the basin level.

Our Programs

Riverprize

Our flagship program, Riverprize is the world's most prestigious environmental award, giving recognition, reward and support to those who have developed and implemented outstanding, visionary and sustainable programs in river management. In 2013, RiverFoundation will award the Thiess International Riverprize, the Australian Riverprize and the inaugral IRF European Riverprize.

Twinning Program

International RiverFoundation's Twinning Program is an innovative initiative that supports collaborative partnerships to restore rivers. This unique program enables Riverprize winners and finalists (Riverprize Alumni) to exchange their valuable expertise with other river organisations that are in need of skills and knowledge.

Sponsored Delegates Program

International RiverFoundation financially supports a number of river scientists and practitioners from less developed countries to attend the International Riversymposium. Enabling them to present their work, share their experiences, learn about world's best practice and develop networks for improving river health in their home country.

Ken Thiess Memorial Scholarship

The Ken Thiess Memorial Scholarship offers a full tuition scholarship to study the Master of Philosophy in Integrated Water Management, located at the International WaterCentre Water Research Node at Monash University, South Africa. The course is taught by international leaders in a broad spectrum of disciplines. Graduates gain the research, strategic and managerial skills they need to advance their careers in the water sector and become future leaders in water management.

Rivers in the Media

News articles are selected for the IRF website based on their interest value or to stimulate discussion and debate. The news articles published on this website do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the IRF, its partners or its staff.

About Us

The International RiverFoundation rewards and gives recognition for the restoration and sustainable management of the world's rivers, lakes and wetlands to improve the health of these precious resources and the communities that depend on them.

International RiverFoundation's flagship program is in awarding the International Riverprize, the Australian Riverprize and the European Riverprize; giving recognition to those implementing and achieving best practice in river management.

Our innovative twinning program is a unique point of difference. Riverprize winners and finalists have the opportunity to share their knowledge and experience with another organisation in need of their expertise.

As a Foundation we are financed by donations from individuals, companies and governments that are passionate and committed to making a difference.

IRF Vision

To become a truly global leader in supporting and fostering best practice river management and restoration, delivering superior economic, social and environmental returns.

IRF Mission Statement

We operate with an independent, global and non-political stance.

We act as a catalyst for sustainable river management worldwide.

We work directly with “river managers” in a “bottom-up” leadership approach to achieve on-ground results.

We aim to transfer world's best practice into practical applications with tangible results.

We build partnerships and alliances with organisations worldwide to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.

Privacy Statement

Introduction International Riverfoundation is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of personal information. We maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards to protect personal information in our care.

How do we collect personal information? We may request information about you when you purchase or make enquires about our products and services; when you enter competitions or register for promotions or when you request brochures or other information. We may also collect information when we invite you to complete surveys or provide us with feedback.

What personal information do we collect? We collect information that is required for use in the business activities of International Riverfoundation This may include: name; mailing address; e-mail; telephone number(s); financial details necessary in order to process various transactions and any other information you may elect to provide to us.

How do we use personal information? We may use personal information to provide information and services. International Riverfoundation may use the information for related purposes such as:

Identification of fraud or error Regulatory reporting and compliance Internal accounting and administration Servicing our relationship with our customers by, amongst other things, providing updates on promotions and services we think may interest you or to involve you in market research.

Is the information disclosed to third parties? We may disclose information about individuals as permitted by law. We may share information with regulatory bodies and law enforcement officials, provide information to protect against fraud and share information with your consent.

Security of information International Riverfoundation has implemented appropriate physical, electronic and managerial security procedures in order to protect personal information from loss, misuse, alteration or destruction. International Riverfoundation regularly reviews security and encryption technologies and will strive to protect information to the fullest extent possible.

Access and correction of personal information We invite you to access and correct any personal information we may hold on you. To do this, you need to contact us by email at info@riverfoundation.org.auThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to make the necessary enquiries.

Opt-Out Should you no longer wish to receive information on services we think may be of interest to you , kindly email us at info@riverfoundation.org.auThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Linked Sites Our website may contain links to other sites. International Riverfoundation is not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of such websites. We encourage you to read the privacy statements of any linked sites as their Privacy Policy may differ from ours.

Feedback & complaints We welcome your inquiries or comments about our Privacy Policy. Should you have any comments or complaints please contact us at info@riverfoundation.org.auThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Changes to our privacy policy From time to time it may be necessary for us to review and revise our privacy policy. We reserve the right to change our privacy policy at any time.

Terms of Use

This website is owned and operated by International RiverFoundation.

Use of this website is subject to the terms of use.

International RiverFoundation is not liable to you or any other for any loss in connection with the use of this website or a linked website. This general disclaimer is not restricted or modified by any of the following specific warnings and disclaimers. Please read the full terms of use.

Please note: International RiverFoundation reserves the right to amend the terms of use at any time. However, since you are bound by these terms of use, you should periodically refer to them.

DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY

General Disclaimer

International RiverFoundation is not liable to you or anyone else for any loss in connection with use of this website or a linked website. This general disclaimer is not restricted or modified by any of the following specific warnings or disclaimers.

Specific Warnings and Disclaimers

The Trade Practices Act and similar State and Territory legislation in Australia may confer rights and remedies on you in relation to the provision by us of goods or services on the Website, which cannot be excluded, restricted or modified. We do not exclude these rights but do exclude all other conditions and warranties implied by custom, law or statute.

We are not liable to you or anyone else if interference with or damage to your computer systems occurs in connection with use of this website or a linked website. You must take your own precautions to ensure that whatever you select for your use from this website is free of viruses or anything else (such as worms or trojan horses) that may interfere with or damage the operations of your computer systems. We do not warrant that your access to the website will be uninterrupted or error free or that any defects will be corrected.

We may, from time to time, change or add to this website (including these terms of use) or the information, products and services without notice. However, we do not undertake to keep this website updated. We are not liable to you or anyone else if errors occur in the information on this website or if that information is not up-to-date.

Under no circumstances (including but not limited to any act or omission on the part of International RiverFoundation) will International RiverFoundation be liable for any indirect, incidental, special and/or consequential damages or loss of profits whatsoever which result from any use or access of, or any inability to use or access, the website.

In these terms of use, certain words (particularly capitalised ones) may have special meanings. If they do these special meanings are set out in the "General" section.

The terms of use are effective until terminated by International RiverFoundation and International RiverFoundation may terminate this agreement and your access to the website at any time without notice. In the event of termination you are no longer authorised to access the website, but all restrictions imposed on you and all disclaimers and limitations of liability set out in the terms of use will survive.

COPYRIGHT

This website is our copyright property. You are provided with access to it only for your personal and non-commercial use. Other than for the purposes of and subject to the conditions prescribed under the Copyright Act 1968 or any other applicable legislation throughout the world, you may not, in any form or by any means: • Adapt, reproduce, store, distribute, transmit, print, display, perform, publish or create derivative works from any part of this website; or • Commercialise any information, products or services obtained from any part of this Website without our written permission.

TRADE MARKS

International RiverFoundation products and services referred to in this website are trade marks of International RiverFoundation. Other product and company names mentioned in this website may be the trade marks of other people or entities. Nothing contained in the website should be construed as granting any licence or right of use of any trade mark or part of any trade mark displayed on the website without the written permission of International RiverFoundation or third party owner.

LINKED WEBSITES

This website may contain links to linked websites. Those links are provided for convenience only and may not remain current or be maintained. Links to those websites should not be construed as any endorsement, approval, recommendation or preference by us of the owners or operators of the sites, or of any information, products or services referred to on those other sites unless specifically stated. Unless otherwise stated the linked websites are not under the control of International RiverFoundation and International RiverFoundation is not responsible for the contents of any linked website. You link to any such website at your own risk.

GENERAL

In this website:

"IRF" means International RiverFoundation unless otherwise specified.

"linked websites" means websites of persons or entities other than International RiverFoundation which are hyperlinked from this website.

"Personal Information" means any information from which your identity is apparent or can be reasonably be ascertained.

"website" means the whole or any part of the web pages located at www.RiverFoundation.org.au (including the lay-out of this website, individual elements of the website design, underlying code elements of this website, or text, sounds, graphics, animated elements or any other content of this website.)

"We" and "us" refer to International RiverFoundation, and "our" has the same meaning.

These terms of use are governed by the laws in force in Queensland, Australia and you irrevocably and unconditionally submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Queensland, Australia and any courts which may hear appeals from those courts.

Nothing contained in these terms of use derogates from International RiverFoundation right to comply with law enforcement requests or requirements relating to your use of this website or information provided to or gathered by International RiverFoundation with respect to that use.

Online Contact Form

To send us a message, please fill in the required field (*), then press the submit button. The subject and/or message fields may be prepopulated with information pertaining to your enquiry.

To:

Processing...

(Title Dynamically Inserted)

(Player HTML Dynamically Inserted)

(Caption Dynamically Inserted)

(Title Dynamically Inserted)

(Title Dynamically Inserted)

(Caption Dynamically Inserted)

(Dynamically Inserted)

From:

To:

Subject:

Processing...

IRF eNewsletter Subscription

Thank you for your interest in subscribing to our eNewsletter. Please take the time to fill in a couple more bits of information so we know a little bit more about you. All your information remains secure and private for our records only.

Please also put me in the Riverprize marketing database

Processing...

Apply Online

In order to begin the online application process, please fill out some simple details for us and select which application you'd like to complete. Text fields with asterisks are mandatory. You will then be emailed a secure link to your online application form which you can access at any time.

Note: When your country is chosen a list of available contests for which you are eligible will be presented.

We're Sorry! There are no Riverprizes currently open for your country at this time. Please contact us regarding Riverprize opening dates.